Packaging Innovations 2020 will host curated content designed to tackle the biggest challenges faced by the food, drink, beauty, pharmaceutical and healthcare, e-commerce, and retail sectors, as part of the show’s Industry Forums, when it returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 26 & 27 February.
The topic of sustainability will be a common theme across the Forums as industry experts share the latest thinking and advancements relating to the complex issue of creating eco-friendly packaging. Innovative design, branding, and policy changes will also feature as prominent topics as influencers and thought leaders consider the current climate of each individual sector and look at how brands can adapt to this changing landscape.
Food Forum
The challenges that surround wasted produce, safety, and sustainable options will be key focuses on the Food Forum. Hosted by Emma Hanby, Associate Director Consulting – Technology at Campden BRI Group, several leading brands will consider how to create disposable packaging that won’t harm the environment.
As 60 percent of global packaging is used by the food industry, Oliver Revill, Senior Category Buyer at Gousto, will look at how brands can balance creating packaging that protects produce and maintains freshness, without costing the earth. Also joining the line-up is Sarah Ottaway, Sustainability and Social Value Lead at Suez, who will explore how the industry can tackle environmental issues as global food consumption continues to rise and demand increases, despite resources becoming scarcer.
Drinks Forum
Sustainability in drinks packaging, alongside advancements in design and innovation, will be front and centre during a panel hosted by Anthony Denny, Publisher at Whisky Magazine and The Drinks Report.
Also taking to the stage will be Pete Statham, Sustainability Manager, and Alistair Porter, Brand Manager at Carlsberg, who will consider how innovative design can improve packaging’s impact on the environment. In addition, they will analyse how this subject can be applied to other areas of the drinks sector, drawing on inspiration from the successful launch of its Snap Pack design, which omits the need for six pack rings.
Beauty Forum
The design and feel of packaging are huge drivers for consumers when shopping in the beauty industry, which means an increased level of waste is becoming a prevalent issue. Joanne Bell, Brand Insight & Content Director at Free The Birds, will consider how brands can find a balance between beautiful design and sustainability, by drawing on a wealth of experience from working with brands such as Aussie, Dove, and Charlotte Mensah, sharing insights on how to design a beauty brand that sells in 2020.
Also joining the Forum will be Sam Farmer, Founder of SAMFARMER, who will discuss the practicalities of packaging personal care products and how brands can successfully communicate sustainability issues to the end user to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly.
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Forum
Hosted by Chris Waterhouse, Managing Director at iDi Pac, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Forum will examine changes to legislation coding and serialisation, as well as the expectations of sustainable packaging for products throughout the sector. The panel will draw on the experiences of leading experts from within the industry, including Jorge Figueira, ISO TC/157 Expert Member, Quality & Regulatory Management at Pasante Healthcare.
E-commerce Forum
As e-commerce businesses continue to grow at a double-digit rate, the E-commerce Forum will consider how packaging has transitioned for the purchase path and online customer journey.
The Forum will also welcome a range of experts to detail how to create packaging that protects products during transit whilst achieving sustainability targets. Hosted by Alex Sword from Internet Retailing, the panel will gather e-commerce specialists from leading brands, such as DS Smith and Lil Packaging.
Retail Forum
With the physical retail sector continuing to experience decline and shelf appeal becoming critical to attracting consumers, the Retail Forum will discuss the challenging retail landscape facing packaging professionals. The impact of consumer pressure when it comes to the sustainability agenda will also take centre stage, as leading experts from brands including GlobalData consider how to find a balance between stand-out design and positive eco-credentials.
Victoria Blake, Event Director of Easyfairs’ UK Packaging Portfolio, comments: “Our Industry Forums have been specially curated to tackle the biggest issues felt by each sector. Sustainability is a common theme and is an issue felt by the entire packaging industry. However, we understand that there isn’t a one-size fits all approach which is why sustainability will be explored at a granular level throughout the Forums. Alongside the environmental issues, the Forums will explore topics including policy changes, branding, and innovative design. I can’t wait to see them live.”
